Restoring Dry Conditions in a Canal-Side Manchester Apartment Basement
Project Challenge: Canal-Side Basement Flooding
At this prestigious Manchester city centre apartment complex, residents had endured persistent flooding in their basement car park for years. With water regularly penetrating through the building's retaining wall from the adjacent canal, a specialised waterproofing solution was urgently required to restore functionality and peace of mind to the property's owners and occupants.
Unique location adjacent to a canal created periodic water pressure against the basement's secant pile retaining wall
Downstream lock debris regularly raised canal water levels, increasing hydrostatic pressure
Two-storey basement with upper level experiencing significant water ingress
Secant pile construction with blockwork facing provided inadequate waterproofing barrier
Suspended slab constraints required non-invasive waterproofing solutions
The apartment building's proximity to Manchester's canal network created a distinctive waterproofing challenge. When debris accumulated at a downstream lock, water levels would rise significantly. This elevated water then penetrated through the ground beneath the towpath, creating substantial pressure against the building's external retaining wall. The wall construction—concrete secant piles with a simple blockwork leaf—offered minimal resistance to water ingress, particularly at the upper basement level where dedicated waterproofing measures were absent.
Our inspection revealed critical constraints that would shape our approach. The affected upper basement level featured a suspended concrete slab that could not be compromised during remediation. Any solution needed to address water ingress without disturbing the structural integrity of this element. This limitation required innovative thinking to develop an effective waterproofing strategy that could be implemented with minimal disruption to the building's core structure.
After thorough assessment and consultation with Rhodes & Partners Structural Engineers, our team designed and installed a comprehensive waterproofing system. The solution centered on a bund channel system running the entire length of the affected retaining wall. This channel was then connected to a precisely positioned core hole through the suspended slab, creating a controlled drainage pathway. Within just one week, our skilled operatives completed the installation, effectively capturing and redirecting penetrating water away from the living spaces. This efficient intervention successfully restored dry conditions throughout the basement, providing residents with the long-term solution they had been seeking.
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